Notre Dame Football Head Coach Marcus Freeman refused to play along when a reporter sought to walk him into making a race-based statement.
A corporate media reporter asked Freeman about his thoughts on the guarantee of a black coach in the national championship.
Freeman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make history as the first black head coach to win a national championship.
However, Freeman emphasized that “color shouldn’t matter” and highlighted the importance of letting work speak for itself.
Notre Dame will face Penn State in the College Football Championship after a commanding win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday.
The victory, regarded as one of the program’s biggest since the late 1980s, has propelled Freeman’s team into the national spotlight.
Notably, both Freeman and Penn State Head Coach James Franklin are African American.
It marks the first time in college football history that a national championship game will feature black head coaches on both sides.
During a press conference ahead of next Thursday’s championship game, Freeman reflected on the significance of the milestone.
“It’s a reminder that you are a representation for many others and many of our players that look the same way I do,” Freeman said.
“Your color shouldn’t matter,” he noted.
“And the evidence of your work should.”
WATCH:
BREAKING: Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman responds to a media question about his thoughts on the guarantee of a Black coach in the national championship.
“Your color shouldn’t matter. The evidence of your work should.”
pic.twitter.com/WCvqx8S3gX— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) January 4, 2025
Notre Dame’s return to prominence under Freeman’s leadership marks a dramatic shift for a program that has struggled to secure wins in high-profile games over the past decade.
The Irish were routed by Alabama in the 2012 National Championship and fell 30-3 to Clemson in the 2018 College Football Playoff semifinals.
However, Freeman’s team has reignited hope with their stunning performance against the highly regarded Georgia Bulldogs.
Beyond his on-field success, Freeman has worked to reestablish Notre Dame’s Catholic traditions, including the return of pregame Mass.
The practice, a longstanding part of Notre Dame’s history, was discontinued under former Head Coach Brian Kelly, who led the program from 2010 to 2021.
Freeman converted to Catholicism in 2022.
He described his decision to reintroduce Mass in an interview with the National Catholic Register.
“I remember as a recruit, seeing the players walking out of the Basilica, from Mass to the stadium,” Freeman said.
“And I thought it was something that was always done.
“When I became the head coach, I didn’t want to change that back.
“My reason is because I think back to being a player and you’re so vulnerable those three, four hours before a game.”
Freeman explained the significance of the tradition, adding, “What better time to go and have Mass?
“What better time to be as close to God as you can?”
Freeman’s leadership has reinvigorated the Notre Dame football program.
His ability to connect with players, combined with his commitment to tradition and faith, has resonated both on and off the field.
The coach’s journey from player to head coach has also provided inspiration to many, especially as he now stands on the brink of making history.
The upcoming championship game represents not only a shot at glory for Notre Dame but also a chance to break barriers in college football.
For Freeman, the moment is about more than a single game; it’s about proving that results, not race, define success.
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